Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Education

State Board of Education

Guidance Document Change: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students; protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

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1/19/21 1:12 pm

Commenter: Parent of VA public school children

Fully support

I have seen first hand how the lack of a transgender student policy leaves not just children at a loss for belonging, but it also leaves supportive school teachers and administrators at a loss for how to proceed. This needed VA law will help school officials know what best practice IS as they attempt to support every student.

Kudos to Virginia for assuring that every trans child throughout the state has the chance to attend a public school that understands they are there and should be included. This is how to work toward ensuring that VA's P-12 graduates are as academic successful as they can be.

CommentID: 90764